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Brisbane coach Kevin Walters says while a derby loss to North Queensland is disappointing, his emerging halves pair bodes well for the future of the club.

The Brisbane Broncos looked all but set for their third win in 2021 with 10 minutes to play - but a late Valentine Holmes field goal for North Queensland dealt a cruel blow to an outfit that dominated the duration of the contest.

But Broncos coach Kevin Walters had high praise for his team after Saturday's defeat and is confident their emerging halves pairing of Anthony Milford and Tyson Gamble are capable of steering them to results in weeks to come.

"Tonight, whilst we didn't get the win, there are plenty of positives to come out of it," Walters said after the 19-18 loss.

"I'm obviously very disappointed with the result, but for 79 minutes of the game we were the better team and I think everyone saw that stadium tonight.

"I know we're not far away from cracking this open and getting some wins.

"Once we get into the players minds about their belief, the sky's the limit."

In just his second start of 2021, Gamble's direction and leadership was a point Walters noted about his performance.

The towering five-eighth nabbed a try-assist and brought intensity to what was a bruising Queensland derby.

Fellow playmaker Milford was a force in defence and took the ball to the Cowboys line, and the pair's efforts showed promising signs in just their second game together.

"They've settled really well together," Walters said.

"Tyson's really stood up in the last few weeks and Milf's probably played his best football too for some time.

"So, right now, we'll stick with him and we'll stay solid."

Playmaking consistency is a quest Walters has been on since taking the reins at the club, with Brodie Croft and Tom Dearden also combining with Milford this year.

The musical chairs in the halves has been a challenge, Milford says, but he believes the Broncos tide can turn once chemistry is established.

"(For me) its playing more and stringing a few games together," Milford told AAP.

"I think the more games we (Gamble) play together, the better we can build on our strengths and our weaknesses.

"I'm pretty excited for what's ahead and we need to knuckle down in training and keep working hard."